Tourist information
South Gloucestershire offers a mix of family attractions, historic market towns and countryside settings to explore. Whether you are planning a family day out, a short break or a longer holiday, there is plenty to see and do across the area.
Located between Bath, Bristol, Somerset and the Cotswolds, South Gloucestershire is also a convenient base for exploring the wider West of England.
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Visit local attractions
South Gloucestershire has a range of attractions. You can:
- discover animals from around the world at Bristol Zoo Project
- experience the thrill of inland surfing at The Wave
- enjoy a day of shopping at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
- go ice-skating or watch ice hockey at Planet Ice
- step back in time with a heritage steam train journey on the Avon Valley Railway
- discover your adventurous side at AirHop, Ninja Warrior and Bristol Activity Centre
- learn about the history of aviation at the home of Concorde, Aerospace Bristol
- go wild swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking at West Country Water Park
- explore the gardens, parkland and views at the National Trust’s Dyrham Park
Aviva Arena
The historic Brabazon hangars are being transformed into the largest indoor live entertainment venue in the West of England.
Expected to open in late 2028, the 20,000 capacity Aviva Arena will host music concerts, sporting events, comedy shows and exhibitions.
Explore villages, towns and countryside
South Gloucestershire’s largely rural landscape is the setting for a diverse range of villages, bustling towns, and rugged countryside.
Visit Thornbury’s 16th century Tudor castle or walk along Chipping Sodbury’s medieval high street to learn more about the history of these market towns.
Follow heritage walks and trails to uncover the history and character of our local villages and towns.
Credit: Rich McD Photography
Countryside
Surrounding our villages and towns are parks, commons, nature reserves and woodlands enjoyed by residents and visitors. You can discover a variety of wildlife, such as kestrels, kingfishers and water voles, in many of these open spaces.
Visit our nature reserves and woodlands and follow our wildlife walks.
Cotswolds National Landscape
Part of South Gloucestershire lies within the nationally protected Cotswolds National Landscape.
The Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the area, offering walkers views across the Severn Vale and a chance to explore scenic countryside and stone villages.
You can find out more about visiting the Cotswolds in South Gloucestershire and the Countryside Code on the Cotswolds National Landscape website.
Discover history and heritage
If you are interested in local history and culture, South Gloucestershire has museums and heritage sites that tell the story of the region’s industrial past and how people lived and worked.
Find out more on our museums and heritage sites page.
Food and drink
From independent cafes and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants, South Gloucestershire’s towns and villages offer a range of places to eat and drink.
You can expect to experience locally produced food and drink from surrounding farms, orchards and distilleries, including Marshfield Farm Ice Cream and 6 O’clock Gin.
Further information
You can find more information about visiting South Gloucestershire and nearby areas at the Chipping Sodbury tourist information centre. The centre is located in the town’s historic clock tower building.
To discover more of what South Gloucestershire has to offer view the Visit Bristol website.